PASCO, Wash. - A leadership group at Columbia Basin College is competing against 300 other schools to see who can collect the most blood donations before the end of the drive.

Students with CBC's College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) are competing in this year's Cesar E. Chavez Blood Drive Challenge.

Blood is collected by and for the American Red Cross, but participants say it also gives Latinos an opportunity to improve their school and community through service,
CAMP mentor Rocio Blanco told Action News they need the community's help to reach their goal of 50 pints each day of the drive.

The American Red Cross claims each pint of blood can save up to three lives, a fact Blanco said makes each poke feel great.

“By having that blood, you’re able to help out someone. And that’s what it’s all about, helping each other out and becoming a community together,” she said.

Cesar E. Chavez Blood Drive Challenge

When: Tuesday, March 6 -Thursday, March from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Where: The Gjerde Center at Columbia Basin College, 2600 N. 20th Ave. in Pasco. (Take Argent Rd. to Saraceno Way; Park in North Lot H, near the roundabout.)